The Abrahamic Covenant is a foundational agreement between God and Abraham, promising countless descendants, land, and blessings. It required Abraham to walk blamelessly, obey God's voice, and uphold His standards through faith. Circumcision was a sign of this covenant, marking Abraham's descendants and ensuring their inclusion in its promises. The covenant, distinct from the Old Covenant, remains in effect, with its unconditional promises, including the Promised Land, being fulfilled over time according to God's timing. Abraham's faith, accounted as righteousness, made him the father of the faithful, and through Christ's sacrifice, all can become heirs to these promises, joining God's family and inheriting the covenant's blessings.

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The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Seven)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Abrahamic Covenant stands as a distinct and foundational agreement made by God with Abraham and his descendants, embodying promises of race and grace. It was not altered or added to by the Old Covenant, which was a separate and additional covenant designed to work alongside it. The Abrahamic Covenant initiated God's relationship with Abraham and his seed, promising countless descendants and establishing Abraham as the father of the faithful, a model of obedience and submission to God's will. Abraham upheld his part of this covenant by obeying God's voice, keeping His charge, commandments, statutes, and laws, thus setting a standard for his children to follow. Under the terms of the Abrahamic Covenant, Abraham was called to be perfect, blameless, and upright, living a life of obedience to God. This covenant remains in effect, with its promises still valid, ensuring that Abraham's descendants, both physical and spiritual, inherit the blessings God assured. Through faith in Christ's sacrifice, individuals become children of Abraham, regardless of race or national origin, and are made heirs to the promises of the Abrahamic Covenant. This covenant ties into God's greater spiritual purpose, drawing all of mankind into His Family as part of the Kingdom of God.

The Doctrine of Israel (Part Two): The Old Covenant

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Abrahamic Covenant, initiated by God when He called Abram out of Ur of the Chaldees, forms a foundational agreement between God and Abraham. This covenant, first introduced with expansive promises, included assurances of descendants, land, and blessings as outlined in Genesis. Over time, God expanded these promises, emphasizing a son for Abraham and the granting of Canaan to his descendants. Abraham's belief in God's word was accounted to him as righteousness, reflecting his trust and faith in acting upon God's command to leave Ur and journey to Canaan without a detailed list of laws or requirements at that initial stage. In defining the terms more completely, God instructed Abraham to walk before Him and be blameless, implying a relationship with Him and adherence to His standards through faith. This covenant was not merely a gift of descendants and land but required an intimate, faithful relationship with God, marked by obedience to His voice and right living. Abraham's willingness to trust and obey without question underscored the essence of this bond. The Abrahamic Covenant also required a sign, circumcision, which itself constituted a separate covenant within the greater agreement. This sign identified those who were parties to the covenant, with each male child to be circumcised at eight days old, as well as any adult male entering the covenant. Failure to circumcise resulted in being cut off from the people, signifying exclusion from the covenant's blessings and protection, and potentially facing severe consequences. Circumcision, as part of the Abrahamic Covenant, applied to all of Abraham's descendants, including the Israelites, marking their historical memory and obligation under this agreement. Though not explicitly mentioned in the Old Covenant, the Abrahamic Covenant's terms often intertwined with it due to the shared lineage, reinforcing the continuity of God's promises and requirements across generations.

Leadership and Covenants (Part Eighteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Biblical covenant is a contract describing the goals to be accomplished by those who agree to its terms, assigning responsibility to all parties involved, stating penalties for failure to participate as required, and listing benefits for adherence. The activities leading to Abram being named God's friend, Abraham, father of the faithful, highlight the importance of trustworthiness, reliability, and dependability in following the agreement made with the Savior, who is also the Creator and Messiah, the promised Seed of God's judgments. The "I will" promises guarantee specific outcomes, particularly the Promised Land to Abram and his descendants. This promise, though last in scriptural order, was the first accomplished historically, with the fulfillment of other promises depending on it. The land is exceedingly important, as all wealth and sustenance come from the ground, and Abram's descendants are to grow into a nation with the land as a central element. The land God promised cannot be minimized without destroying its vital spiritual lessons, which accompany the other "I will" promises. Abram's appeal was heard and granted by God in due time, with his belief in the Lord accounted to him for righteousness, reflecting God's approval of his trust in the Creator's word and character. The son promised to Abram and Sarah was Isaac, followed by Jacob and his twelve sons, whose families ranged over the Promised Land without owning it for generations. This teaches that God's promises move according to His timing, requiring faith and patience, as seen in the over four hundred years before the land became their possession, a process completed in the distribution of territories to each tribe as recorded in Joshua. God's promises to Abram are directly linked to the command to leave his homeland, offering great gain in return for the loss of his birth land and friendships. These promises served as an incentive for Abram to move to a mysterious place chosen by God, requiring a great leap of faith. Abram's only support was his faith in the One making the promises, and by living by faith without demanding proof, he saw the beginning of their fulfillment. The promise to make Abram a great nation is personal and unconditional, meaning nothing can stop its fulfillment. At the time of the promise, Abram had not yet left his homeland, had not reached the Promised Land, was seventy-five years old with a barren wife of sixty-five, and owned no land. Despite these challenges, God promised a large population, economic riches, and persuasive influence, confident in His ability to change Abram and fulfill the promise regardless of potential obstacles or doubts. Abram's spiritual reputation has been made great by God before those who matter spiritually to Him, the faithful who rely on the same God Abram trusted. Through Isaac, the child of promise, Abram has become the father of hundreds of millions of physical descendants, the Israelitish people. The promises within the "I will" statements are still in operation, being fulfilled in the lives of Abram's descendants, impacting the understanding of spiritual purpose and the exercise of faith among those who believe in the identity and location of modern Israel. God sovereignly keeps His word, preserving Israel even if they are not always visible to the world, knowing exactly where they are as He continues to fulfill His unconditional promises to Abram.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Six)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Abrahamic Covenant serves as the foundational relationship between God and Abraham, forming the basis for understanding subsequent covenants and promises. In Galatians 3:15-19, it is explained that once a covenant is ratified by both parties, anything added later does not nullify the original agreement. The covenant with Abraham, confirmed by God in Christ, remains in effect, and the law, introduced 430 years later as the Old Covenant, does not annul the promises made to Abraham. These promises were given by God to Abraham and his seed, specifically identified as Christ, ensuring that the inheritance is by promise, not by law. The covenant with Abraham, as detailed in Genesis 17:1-11, includes God's pledge to make Abraham a father of many nations, to multiply him exceedingly, and to establish an everlasting covenant with him and his descendants. This covenant encompasses both spiritual and physical dimensions, promising the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession and requiring circumcision as a token of the agreement. God commands Abraham and his seed to keep this covenant through generations, emphasizing its enduring nature. Galatians 3:6-10 highlights that Abraham's faith was accounted to him for righteousness, establishing him as the model for all who are of faith, who are thereby considered children of Abraham. The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the heathen through faith, preaching the gospel to Abraham with the promise that in him all nations would be blessed. Thus, those who are of faith are blessed alongside faithful Abraham. The relationship between the Abrahamic Covenant and later covenants shows a progression from God's covenant with Abraham to the Old Covenant with Israel, and ultimately to the New Covenant. Galatians 3:29 affirms that if we belong to Christ, we are Abraham's seed, directly connecting believers to Abraham as the father of the faithful. The Old Covenant was added because of transgressions, as a temporary measure until the seed, Christ, to whom the promise was made, should come. This addition was necessary due to Israel's failure to uphold the covenant made with Abraham, as they adopted heathen ways in Egypt and lost key practices like the Sabbath, necessitating the re-teaching of God's laws. Genesis 26:5 underscores Abraham's obedience to God's voice, charges, commandments, statutes, and laws, contrasting with Israel's shortcomings. The Old Covenant, while an addition to the Abrahamic Covenant, does not negate God's original promises but serves to bridge the gap until the New Covenant, which harmonizes with and expands the Abrahamic Covenant to include all nations as coheirs with Christ. Under the New Covenant, believers are responsible for obeying God's laws in letter where applicable and always in spirit, out of love and concern for God and fellow man, producing holiness and the image of God through faith in Jesus Christ and the power of God's Spirit.

Leadership and Covenants (Part Nineteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The Abrahamic Covenant, as revealed in Genesis 12:1-3, forms a foundational promise from the Lord to Abram. The Lord commanded Abram to leave his country, kindred, and father's house for a land He would show him, promising to make him a great nation, bless him, make his name great, and ensure he would be a blessing. The Lord further declared that He would bless those who bless Abram and curse those who curse him, and through Abram, all families of the earth would be blessed. In Genesis 12:7, the Lord appeared to Abram, promising to give the land to his descendants, prompting Abram to build an altar to the Lord who appeared to him. These promises, encapsulated in the seven "I will" statements, are central to God's purpose, providing an outline for the development of His Kingdom on earth through Abram, a man of faith. They span vast periods of time and impact the histories of many nations and billions of people, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His plan with awesome love, power, wisdom, and purpose. In Genesis 15:4-6, the Lord assured Abram that his heir would come from his own body, promising descendants as numerous as the stars. Abram believed the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness, highlighting the significance of faith as the foundation of Abram's relationship with God. This belief guided Abram's life and actions, setting him apart as the father of all who follow the same path of faith. Zacharias, in Luke 1:66-79, recognized the importance of the covenant made with Abram, referring to it as the holy covenant and the oath sworn to father Abraham. He prophesied that this covenant would enable God's people, delivered from their enemies, to serve Him without fear in holiness and righteousness, affirming Abram's enduring significance to God's purpose. The promise that Abram would be a blessing to all families of the earth, as reiterated in Galatians 3, extends through his Seed, Jesus Christ. Paul emphasizes that the blessing of Abraham comes upon the Gentiles through faith in Christ, who redeemed humanity from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. This covenant, confirmed by God, remains effective regardless of ethnicity, applying to all who believe, just as Abram did, and is not annulled by later laws but stands as a promise of greater magnitude. The fulfillment of this promise in Genesis 12 ultimately points to Jesus Christ, a direct descendant of Abram, as the means of redemption for all who place their faith in Him. This merciful gifting by God clears sins and accounts righteousness to believers, leveling the field between Israelites and Gentiles through faith in God's Word.

The Covenant of Circumcision

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Circumcision was the sign God gave Abraham indicating that his descendants would ascend to greatness, acquiring physical and spiritual blessings.

Abraham's Sacrifice (Part Four): Providence Manifested

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The story of Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac in Genesis 22 highlights the profound theme of God's providence within the context of the Abrahamic Covenant. God's providence, His timely provision for the needs of His creatures, is evident as He supplies everything Abraham and Isaac require during their journey to Mount Moriah. This includes not just the ram for the sacrifice, but all the necessary elements that brought Abraham to that critical moment of testing. Abraham's faith in God's provision is unwavering, as seen when he assures Isaac in verse 8, "My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering." This trust is rooted in past experiences where God fulfilled His promises, such as providing Isaac, the son of promise, at the exact appointed time despite Sarah's barrenness and Abraham's old age. Under the Abrahamic Covenant, as outlined in Genesis 17:1, God commands Abraham to walk before Him and be blameless, promising to be his God and to bless him with numerous descendants and nations. Abraham's obedience during the test on Mount Moriah demonstrates his adherence to this covenant, showing his deep reverence and fear of God by not withholding his only son. In response, God fulfills His part of the covenant by providing the ram as a substitute sacrifice, as seen in Genesis 22:13, affirming His commitment to bless Abraham. This act of provision culminates in Genesis 22:18, where God reiterates His promise to multiply Abraham's descendants because he obeyed His voice. The narrative emphasizes that God's providence extends beyond physical needs to spiritual ones, ensuring Abraham has what is necessary to obey His commands and grow in faith. The naming of the place in Genesis 22:14 as "The-Lord-Will-Provide" underscores this theme, reflecting the covenantal assurance that God sees and provides at the right time. Abraham's steadfast faith in God's ability to provide, even in the face of impossible circumstances, serves as a testament to the reliability of God's promises within the Abrahamic Covenant, ensuring the continuation of the blessings through Isaac and future generations.

Leadership and Covenants (Part Seventeen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The Abrahamic Covenant marks a pivotal moment in biblical history, representing a dramatic and far-reaching turn that impacts history for all time. As recorded in Genesis 12:1-7, God called Abram, commanding him to leave his country, family, and father's house to go to a land that He would show him. God presented Abram with a covenant containing promises of stupendous proportion, encapsulated in seven "I will" statements: I will show you a land; I will make you a great nation; I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you shall be a blessing; I will bless those who bless you; I will curse him who curses you; and I will give your descendants this land. These promises stand in stark contrast to the self-serving declarations of Lucifer in Isaiah 14:12-14, highlighting God's unwavering commitment to fulfill His Word. God's purpose through the Abrahamic Covenant extends beyond Abram to all who enter into this covenant, requiring trust in His Word and character, just as Abram trusted Him. This covenant, initiated roughly 2,000 years after creation, offers hope and life to those willing to believe God and seek Him by faith for the fulfillment of His promises. It signifies a new biblical era, establishing Abram as the father of the faithful, a title reflecting his devoted loyalty and steadfast trust in God. His life serves as an example for all who are part of this covenant to emulate, living by faith to qualify as children of God's Family. The Abrahamic Covenant also reveals God's creative process, beginning from ground zero with raw clay, as seen in Abram's transformation into a great man under God's artistry. God chose Abram not for any inherent greatness, but to demonstrate that He can shape anyone into what He desires, as affirmed in Isaiah 51:1-2. Abram's relationship with God earned him the title of God's friend, a distinction achieved through obedience and trust at the highest level, as noted in II Chronicles 20:5-7, Isaiah 41:8, and James 2:23. This friendship, unlike mere sonship, develops through a lifetime of obeying God's commands to love Him and others, setting a high standard for all covenant participants. Historically, the covenant's promises unfold through Abram's line, gradually becoming more spiritual in focus within the Scriptures from Genesis 12 onward. This line, through Isaac, Jacob, David, and ultimately Jesus Christ, opens the way of salvation for all mankind, regardless of ethnicity. The covenant's impact involves all of time forever, defining the church and the Israel of God, and underscoring its significance as the greatest deal offered to individuals. God's guidance of Abram, from Ur to Haran to Canaan, exemplifies walking by faith, a symbol of the journey required of all who follow in his footsteps, trusting God even when the full picture is not yet clear.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Nine)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Abrahamic Covenant holds a significant place in understanding God's overarching plan and the relationship established with His people. In Galatians 3:17-19, it is made clear that the covenant confirmed by God in Christ, made with Abraham, predates the law given 430 years later, which is synonymous with the Old Covenant. This later law cannot disannul the promises made to Abraham, ensuring that the inheritance remains by promise, not by the law. The Old Covenant was added because of transgressions, to serve until the Seed, Jesus Christ, should come, to whom the promise was made. Further insight is provided in the relationship established through the Abrahamic Covenant, as seen in Genesis 12 to 17, where God gave promises to Abraham and his seed. At that time, the family was small, but by the time of Exodus, Abraham's seed had grown into a nation, albeit one in slavery and transgressing the covenant's terms. Genesis 17:1 reveals God's command to Abraham to walk before Him and be perfect, and Genesis 26:5 confirms that Abraham obeyed God's voice, keeping His charge, commandments, statutes, and laws, which were the terms of this covenant. The Old Covenant was later added to this pre-existing relationship to address transgressions and guide the nation until the time of Christ, highlighting the enduring foundation of the promises made to Abraham.

Leadership and the Covenants (Part Twenty)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

In Genesis 12:1-3, the Lord spoke to Abram, commanding him to leave his country, kindred, and father's house for a land that He would show him. God promised to make Abram a great nation, to bless him, to make his name great, and to ensure that he would be a blessing. God further declared that He would bless those who bless Abram and curse those who curse him, and through Abram, all the families of the earth would be blessed. These seven promises, framed as "I will" statements, form a major theme of the Bible, with the spiritual intent of the promise "And in you, all the families of the earth shall be blessed" encompassing everyone from Adam and Eve to those in the Great White Throne period. Abram, a highly intelligent and humble man, likely understood the essence of this vast promise, though not all its nuances. He would have recognized that the fulfillment of this blessing extended far beyond his lifetime, concluding that he would not live to see it accomplished. As a humble man, Abram would have acknowledged his own need for the blessings implied in God's promise, realizing he could not be the literal source of such a magnitude of blessing. He would have deduced that the promise must refer to a descendant greater than himself, one who would be the source of these blessings. Furthermore, Abram would have understood that this descendant could not be a mere human, but must be the Creator God Himself, taking on human form to truly be his descendant. These promises to Abram, often referred to as the "I will's," connect to the broader narrative of a holy line, tracing back to God's initial promise of redemption in Genesis 3:15. This line, beginning with Seth from Adam and Eve, continues through specific descendants chosen by God, culminating in Abram, from whom the holy line exclusively proceeds through Isaac and Jacob. God's consistent involvement in this lineage, separating and choosing individuals like Abram for His purpose, underscores His role as Creator, working out His will through history to ensure the fulfillment of His covenant promises.

The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twelve)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Abrahamic Covenant, as referenced in the discussion of covenants, holds a foundational role in the progression of God's promises to His people. In Acts 3:25, it is noted that the covenant God made with Abraham includes the promise that in his seed all the kindreds of the earth shall be blessed. This blessing, which has already begun to manifest in the lives of those called by God, is progressive and unfolds over time. The fullness of these blessings, confirmed by Jesus Christ, will not be realized until after the resurrection, requiring eternal life for their complete fulfillment. The New Covenant, which builds upon the promises made to Abraham, plays a crucial role in this process, offering the means to achieve the eternal life necessary to inherit these blessings, thus rendering the Old Covenant obsolete by comparison.

Abraham (Part Eight)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

One of the profound lessons from Abraham's life is that a life centered on God provides an inner strength that prevents life from disintegrating. This strength is evident in the covenant God established with Abraham, as seen in Genesis 17:1-8. When Abraham was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and declared, "I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly." God promised to make Abraham a father of many nations, changing his name from Abram to Abraham to signify this new status. God further pledged to make him exceedingly fruitful, to bring forth nations and kings from him, and to establish an everlasting covenant with Abraham and his descendants, granting them the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession, affirming, "I will be their God." This covenant underscores that the fulfillment of God's promises depends solely on His will, not human effort. God emphasized His commitment with seven declarations of "I will," reinforcing that the promise's realization rests on His power as God Almighty. Abraham's role was to walk before God with single-minded devotion, demonstrating complete submission, as seen when he fell on his face in response to God's words. The covenant was not a result of self-will but of God's grace, highlighting a relationship initiated by God Himself, reaching out to man to create a bond that gives purpose and stability to life. God further detailed the covenant in Genesis 17:7-9, stating, "I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you." This covenant extends beyond Abraham to his descendants, making God central to every aspect of life, influencing families, institutions, and communities through this enduring relationship. As a sign of this covenant, God commanded circumcision for every male child among Abraham's descendants, as outlined in Genesis 17:9-14, to be performed on the eighth day as a mark of consecration and separation, unifying them as a body chosen by God. This physical act of circumcision was intended to reflect a deeper spiritual reality, a circumcision of the heart, symbolizing fellowship with God and submission to His terms. Abraham's faith, which preceded the physical sign, was the foundation of his righteousness, as God imputed righteousness to him because of his belief, not because of the act of circumcision itself. This covenant relationship, initiated by God, provided Abraham and Sarah with a stability that kept their lives from flying apart, even as strangers and pilgrims, because their lives were centered on Someone far greater than themselves.

Abraham (Part Six)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The life of Abraham reveals profound spiritual lessons, particularly through the Abrahamic Covenant, which stands as a cornerstone of God's promises and trials. In Genesis 15, after a series of events including warfare and personal challenges, God speaks to Abram in a vision, affirming His role as Abram's shield and exceedingly great reward. Yet, Abram expresses concern over his childlessness, questioning how the promise of descendants will be fulfilled since he has no offspring, and his heir is Eliezer of Damascus. God reassures him, declaring that his heir will come from his own body, and directs Abram to look at the stars, promising that his descendants will be as numerous as they are. Abram believes in the Lord, and it is accounted to him for righteousness. God further elaborates on the covenant, confirming that He brought Abram out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give him the land to inherit. When Abram seeks to understand how he will know this promise, God instructs him to prepare a sacrifice, involving a three-year-old heifer, female goat, ram, turtledove, and young pigeon, which Abram cuts in two, symbolizing a complete offering to God. This act of worship, representing total dedication, becomes a key to understanding God's will, teaching that insight into His purpose comes through living by faith and offering oneself as a living sacrifice. As Abram performs this sacrifice, vultures descend on the carcasses, symbolizing distractions from spiritual forces attempting to hinder his worship, yet Abram drives them away. A deep sleep and horror of great darkness fall upon him, illustrating periods of doubt and uncertainty even in faith. God then reveals that Abram's descendants will be strangers in a foreign land, afflicted for four hundred years, but will eventually come out with great possessions, and Abram himself will die in peace at a good old age. This prophecy underscores the trials embedded in the covenant, showing that even God's promises involve testing and refinement through a refiner's fire, alternating between light and darkness, yet ultimately leading to fulfillment through faith.

Leadership and Covenants (Part Sixteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The covenant made by God with Abraham, originally named Abram, stands as a monumental promise with far-reaching consequences. This Abrahamic Covenant, though established with one man and his family, profoundly impacts mankind's history, extending to the New Heavens and the New Earth and beyond. It encompasses a vast span of time and billions of people, most of whom remain unaware of its significance across centuries. This covenant represents one of the most massive promises God has ever made under any circumstance. Its immense scope can instill in us the ultimate hope, while simultaneously humbling us by making our individual existence seem like an insignificant passing thought in the grand sweep of history. God appeared to Abram, directing him to leave his country, family, and father's house for a land He would show him, promising to make him a great nation, to bless him, to make his name great, and to make him a blessing. God further declared that He would bless those who bless Abram and curse those who curse him, and through Abram, all families of the earth would be blessed. These promises, given to a man nurtured in an idolatrous household, underscore the extraordinary nature of God's call and the faith Abram exhibited in responding to it.

Abraham (Part One)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Abrahamic Covenant, as revealed in Genesis 17:1-8, marks a profound moment when Abram, at ninety-nine years old, received a divine promise from the Lord. The Lord appeared to him, declaring Himself as Almighty God and commanding Abram to walk before Him and be blameless. In this covenant, God promised to make a covenant between Himself and Abram, multiplying him exceedingly. Abram fell on his face as God spoke, affirming that His covenant was with Abram, renaming him Abraham, for he would be a father of many nations. God vowed to make Abraham exceedingly fruitful, to make nations of him, and to bring kings from his lineage. This covenant was established as an everlasting one, not only with Abraham but also with his descendants through their generations, promising to be their God. Additionally, God granted to Abraham and his descendants the land of Canaan, where he was a stranger, as an everlasting possession. This covenant's significance is further underscored in Genesis 12:1-4, where the Lord initially called Abram at seventy-five years old to leave his country, family, and father's house for a land that God would show him. God promised to make Abram a great nation, to bless him, to make his name great, and to make him a blessing. Those who blessed Abram would be blessed, and those who cursed him would be cursed, with all families of the earth being blessed through him. Abram obeyed, departing from Haran as the Lord had spoken. The timeline of this covenant is clarified in Exodus 12:40-41, indicating that the sojourn of the children of Israel completed four hundred and thirty years, culminating on the very day they left Egypt. This duration is linked to the covenant made with Abraham, as confirmed in Galatians 3:15-17, where Paul notes that the law, given four hundred and thirty years after the covenant, cannot annul the promise confirmed by God in Christ to Abraham and his Seed, who is Christ. This establishes a direct connection between the covenant's initiation and significant later events in Israel's history. Finally, Genesis 18:17-19 reveals God's affirmation of Abraham's role within this covenant, stating that He would not hide His actions from Abraham, who would become a great and mighty nation, with all nations of the earth blessed in him. God had known Abraham so that he might command his children and household to keep the way of the Lord, doing righteousness and justice, ensuring the fulfillment of what God had spoken to him.

The First Day of Unleavened Bread (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The covenant God made with Abraham, as recorded in Genesis 15, marks a significant foundation of His spiritual purpose, promising Abraham descendants and the inheritance of the land. This covenant, confirmed by God through Jesus Christ, was established 430 years before the law given to Israel, as noted in Galatians 3:15-17, and carries promises that cannot be annulled by subsequent laws. God reiterated this covenant to Isaac in Genesis 26:4-5, emphasizing that Abraham obeyed His voice, kept His charge, commandments, statutes, and laws, even though no specific laws were mentioned in the initial covenant. In Genesis 15:1-4, God assured Abraham of an heir from his own lineage, reinforcing the promise with a vision of countless descendants likened to the stars. Further, in Genesis 15:13-16, God foretold a 400-year period of affliction for Abraham's seed in a foreign land, followed by their release with great substance, showcasing His foresight long before these events unfolded. The covenant's significance is highlighted in Exodus 12:40-41, where the Israelites' departure from Egypt occurs on the selfsame day 430 years after this covenant was made, marking a major fulfillment of God's promise. Additionally, in Genesis 17:18-27, God established circumcision as a sign of the covenant with Abraham and his seed through Isaac, performed on the selfsame day as commanded. Stephen, in Acts 7:1-8 and 17, recounts this covenant, linking it to Israel's bondage and eventual release, underscoring its foundational role in God's plan. Hebrews 6:13-20 connects the unchangeable nature of God's promise to Abraham with the hope and consolation it provides to Christians, while Galatians 3:27-29 identifies believers as Abraham's seed and heirs to the promise through Christ. The events of Genesis 14 and 15, involving Melchizedek's blessing and the covenant's confirmation, are intricately tied to the timing of Passover and the first day of Unleavened Bread, occurring 430 years prior to Israel's exodus on the exact days of Abib 14 and 15. This precise timing, including God's maledictory oath in Genesis 15:7-19, where He pledges His very existence to fulfill the promise, underscores the covenant's gravity. The first day of Unleavened Bread, particularly the Night To Be Much Observed, draws attention to this covenant's anniversary, commemorating liberty from bondage and God's vigilant care, ensuring the fulfillment of His promises to Abraham's descendants.

Why Was Jesus Not Crucified as Passover Began? (Part Two)

'Ready Answer' by David C. Grabbe

The Abrahamic Covenant holds profound significance in understanding the timing and purpose of Christ's crucifixion on the afternoon of Abib 14. This moment points back to the promises God made to Abraham, the Father of the Faithful, and the preparations for their covenant centuries before the Passover in Egypt. On the daylight portion of the 14th in Abraham's day, a conversation about inheriting the land took place, followed by Abraham dividing and arranging animals at God's command in preparation for the covenant. God's covenant with Abraham, made in response to his question about the land, encompasses far more than a geographic location. It includes promises of becoming a great nation, which extends beyond physical descendants to those who share the faith of Abraham. As Genesis 12:3 declares, in Abraham, all the families of the earth shall be blessed, a promise that foretells justification by faith for all nations. Genesis 13:14-15 further ties the land to an eternal inheritance, which includes justification by faith, being part of a spiritual nation, and eternal life, as reiterated in Galatians 3:29, where those who belong to Christ are Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise. The timing of Christ's crucifixion on the afternoon of Abib 14 aligns with the anniversary of God's covenantal promise to Abraham, drawing attention to the eternal inheritance promised to him and his spiritual seed. This sacrifice, confirming the New Covenant, is an outgrowth of the covenant with Abraham, making his great nation a reality. It provides for justification on the basis of faith for Israelite and Gentile alike and promises eternal life to those who continue to the end in faith. Christ, as our Passover, renews and advances the covenant God made with Abraham through the shedding of His blood on that significant afternoon.

Why Wasn't Jesus Christ Crucified at the Start of Passover?

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

Jesus was crucified late on Abib 14, yet the Passover lambs were to be killed at the beginning of the 14th. The time of Christ's death is highly significant.

The Selfsame Day

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The word 'selfsame' refers to a specific commemorative date. The selfsame day is a signal that God is faithfully in control of time over multiple centuries.

Was Jesus Christ's Body Broken? (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Christ's bones had to remain unbroken to fulfill the Passover. Additionally, His self-maledictory oath to Abraham required an unseperated—unbroken—body.

What Was the Law 'Added Because of Transgressions'?

'Ready Answer' by Earl L. Henn

Some think Galatians 3:19 means that God's law has been done away, but critical misunderstandings have led people astray on this verse.

Is the Passover Just a Sin Offering? (Part One)

Article by David C. Grabbe

God ordained the timing of Christ's sacrifice to align perfectly with the sealing of the Abrahamic covenant in Genesis 15, upon which the New Covenant is based. This timing reveals a significant facet of Christ's death beyond atonement, as it initiated an extraordinary covenant and serves as an eternal reminder of God's faithfulness to those who observe it. Christ's death, as described in Hebrews 9:16-17, not only paid the penalty for sins but also inaugurated the New Covenant, acting as a divine pledge of loyalty to those who entered into it. His role as the covenant victim was distinct from His role as the ultimate sin offering, demonstrating that His death served multiple purposes simultaneously.

The Unchangeable Promise

Sermonette by Craig Sablich

God's covenant with Abraham was signed only by God. We are to remain committed to faith and try to live up to it even though we will fall short.

Was Jesus Christ's Body Broken?

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

Was Jesus Christ's body actually broken? If so, it would have symbolized disqualification and a broken covenant. Only the bread of Passover was broken.

The Lesson of the Night to be Much Observed

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

The same God who exercised vigilance and care over our forebears does so over us. Israel's leaving Egypt signifies maintaining the relationship with God.

Searching for Israel (Part One): The Promises to the Faithful

Article by Charles Whitaker

Where is Israel today? God's ironclad promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob give ample clues for identifying Israel—and the answer is surprising.

The Wavesheaf and the Selfsame Day

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The wavesheaf offering is reckoned from the weekly Sabbath within the Days of Unleavened Bread. It had specific requirements that were not met in Joshua 5.

The Night to be Much Observed

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Night Much to be Observed is a memorial of the covenant with Abraham, and God's watchfulness in delivering ancient Israel as well as spiritual Israel.

Remember: Truth and the Real Torch of Freedom

Sermon by Mark Schindler

The Night to be Much Observed emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the true Torch of Freedom, extricating us from Satan and his multiple deceits.

Mr. Darby, Mr. Scofield, and God's Law

Sermonette by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

Several destructive heresies have crept into Western religious culture, including the rapture lie, the dispensationalist theory, and the immortality of the soul.

The Promise and the Kingdom

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

The promise given to Abraham was actually the Gospel, extending God's blessing to his family and all the nations — eternal promises of land and people.

The Purpose of Israel

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God chose ancient Israel 1) to be separate, 2) to demonstrate His love to them, 3) to keep His promises to Abraham, and 4) to make a covenant with them.

Why We Must Put Out Leaven

Article by Earl L. Henn

Why must we put leaven out, yet we do not have to circumcise our baby boys? Is deleavening 'Old Covenant'?

Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Sins committed presumptuously by people of high responsibility (leaders) are judged more rigorously than those sins committed by people in ignorance.

Seeking God's Will (Part Two): Faithfulness

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

If we mimic God's character, we will be always faithful. We can translate this trait into practical behaviors, as a foundational part of our character.

Hebrews: Its Background (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Although God never intended the Old Covenant to endure eternally, the spiritual law (shared by both the old and new covenants) lasts forever.

Is America a Christian Nation? (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Although America was not founded as a Christian nation, it was designed to accommodate a sense of morality and justice based on Judean-Christian principles.

God's Promises Are Sure!

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The story of Joseph offers lessons and encouragement regarding God's dealings with men during the time of the Feast of Trumpets.

The Bread and Wine of Passover

Sermon by David C. Grabbe

The Passover reminds us of the New Covenant on the anniversary of the Abrahamic covenant God using the original elements of the meal between Melchizedek and Abraham.

The Faith of Israel

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

Not only did Israel cross the Red Sea on the Last Day of Unleavened Bread, but it was also when Jericho's walls fell and when Jesus healed the lame man.

The Jerusalem Council's Conclusion

Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Abrahamic Covenant, as outlined in Genesis 17, serves as a foundational element in understanding God's relationship with His people. When Abraham was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and declared, "I am Almighty God. Walk before Me and be blameless, and I will make My covenant between Me and you and will multiply you exceedingly." This covenant required Abraham and his descendants to walk before God and be blameless, while God promised to multiply them and bestow numerous blessings. Circumcision was established as a sign of this covenant, indicating not only descent from Abraham but also inclusion in the covenant with God, marking one as part of God's people committed to keeping the covenant. This sign extended beyond physical descent, as Gentiles who wished to live among God's people were also asked to be circumcised, becoming part of the Abrahamic lineage through acceptance of the same covenant. Thus, under God's law, circumcision symbolized acceptance and participation in the covenant relationship initiated with Abraham.

Hebrews (Part One): The Stage Is Set

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Early converts from Judaism claimed to accept the Law but had difficulty accepting the Lawgiver. Today, many claim to accept Christ, but will not accept His Law.

Countdown to Pentecost 2001

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

How does one count to Pentecost when Passover is on a weekly Sabbath, making the Last Day of Unleavened Bread the only other available Sabbath to begin the count?